2003-253E - Laserfiche WebLink

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By: G. R.O.W. — G.R.O.W. Kids Program For: Children's Services Advisory Council Be PROGRAM NEED STATEMENT (Entire Section B not to exceed one page) 1 . a) What is the unacceptable condition requiring change? b) Who has the need? C) Where do they live? d) Provide local, state or national trend data, with reference source, that corroborates that this is an area of need. There is a large number of disadvantaged, parenting youth that must complete their high school education and obtaining occupational training in order to become self-sufficient and provide their young children with a safe, positive home in which to live and grow. In order to access these services, these young parents are in need of immediate assistance obtaining quality child care or participation in after-school activities for their children. It is vital to address this need now so that young parents can become self-sufficient during their early adulthood and avoid the welfare or prison system, or becoming homeless or dependent upon welfare programs . According to Community Child Care Resource Center as of May 27, 2003 there are currently 900 children in IRC on waiting lists for child care assistance, and the estimated waiting period is 2 years to receive assistance. A survey conducted by the Children' s Defense Fund reported that there are 46,800 children on waiting lists in Florida; the 2nd higher number in the entire United States. It also reported the average cost of child care for a 12-month old in Florida is $5 , 133 per year. According to our records, this is approximately three times the average annual earnings of a disadvantaged, parenting youth at the time of entrance into our program. The United Way Success by Six Initiative has conducted research that shows that a child who participates in a quality early childhood program is 40 to 50% less likely to be a teen parent, live on welfare, or go to jail. It is vital to the future welfare and economics of our County, and our country, that we implement new sources of support that will assist low-income and disadvantaged parents to access quality child care for their children. 2. a) Identify similar programs that are currently serving the needs of your targeted population; b) Explain how these existing programs are under-serving the targeted population of your program. Community Child Care Resources (CCCR) and Agricultural & Labor Program, Inc. (ALPI) provides assistance to low-income youth and adults. Presently, however, according to these agencies, there is an estimated I to 2 year waiting period for assistance. CCCR reports 140 children on their waiting list and, according to a staff member in ALPI' s office, "the exact number is unknown, but it is a long, long waiting list." The majority of all children on these waiting lists are infants and toddlers. At least one parent is required to work 20 hours per week to receive assistance, and will be given 90 days to find a job if they are not employed at the time assistance become available. Our organization is the only one in the County that target and provide direct training, employment, support services, and entrepreneurial opportunities for disadvantaged, parenting youth. Our programs allows students to complete coursework, get a job, or enter paid training within 90-days of entrance. 5